In 2011, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers began the Fair Food Program, a worker-driven partnership among farmers, farmworkers, and food companies that ensures a living wage and humane conditions for produce pickers. Currently, 14 major food retailers participate in the program, including Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Chipotle, and Wal-Mart. The program now protects thousands of farmworkers. Wendy’s has yet to join the Fair Food Program. Students are using the hunger strike to protest Wendy’s refusal to participate in the program.

Read the full article and description of student participation on the National Catholic Reporter website.